Industry News News
Kebony turns softwood into hardwood

Aug. 27, 2013, Geneva – Kebony has come up with a pressure treatment process that gives softwood similar properties to hardwood in an effort to replace tropical hardwood with a sustainable alternative. The company has been recognized by the World Economic Forum as a 2014 Technology Pioneer for the process.

Founded in 2000 in Geneva, the World Economic Forum's Technology Pioneers represent the cutting edge in both technology and entrepreneurship and are a platform from which the wider community can learn how they can contribute to addressing global issues.

The Kebonization process takes sustainable soft wood species such as maple and pine and treats them under conditions of heat and pressure so they are given the same aesthetical and physical properties as rainforest timber. The end product is durable, attractive, low–maintenance, non-toxic and environmentally friendly.

Diverting demand from tropical forests, Kebony's new wood has been used in high-profile, international projects, including the new Mary Rose museum, the Bexhill Beach Shelters and KREOD.

Christian Jebsen, CEO of Kebony said: "The Forum's recognition of Kebony's innovative technology is a momentous accolade as we expand our commercial development. Technology and innovation will enable us to continue to develop whilst minimising the impact on the environment; the Earth's natural resources are finite and are under threat because of increasing demand for their use. Kebony's innovation will divert demand and help preserve our treasured tropical forests."

Kebony's achievements will be honoured at the Forum's Annual Meeting of the New Champions 2013 in Dalian, People's Republic of China, from 11 to 13 September.

August 27, 2013  By  Amie Silverwood